What is the cost of moving from France to Belgium?
The price of an international move from France to Belgium can vary significantly depending on the departure city and the distance to be covered. The cost depends on the specifics of the move and the volume to be transported. The average cost is just over 1000 euros for moving to Belgium.
Price Estimation Belgium
Here is a comparative price example for moving a 3-room house, approximately 60 m2, with the standard package:
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Moving France Belgium Price
Paris – Brussels 1500 – 2000€ Nantes – Brussels 2700 – 4000€ Lilas – Antwerp 500 – 900€ How to organize a move to Belgium at the best price?
Whether for short or long distances, it is always worthwhile to inquire and compare moving solutions, truck rentals, professional movers, trains, etc. By filling out this form, you will quickly receive several quotes from qualified professional companies for a move to Belgium. This request is completely free and without obligation.
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How to move from France to Belgium?
There are several options for moving to Belgium:
- by road transport from anywhere in France;
- rental of a van, for short distances and particularly for cross-border moves;
- or by container connecting to the port of Antwerp, especially from the southern regions of France or depending on a close link with a port.
What will you move to Belgium?
The administrative procedures for settling in Belgium are quite simple and most address change formalities can also be done online:
- register with the administrative plan
- declare the change of tax residence for Belgian taxes
- change the vehicle registration in Belgium
- apply for unemployment benefits or Belgian social benefits
Administrative Registration
French citizens do not need a visa to settle in Belgium. For stays longer than 3 months, it is necessary to register with the municipal administration of the place of residence within 8 days of arrival.
How to apply for a permanent residence permit?
You must be able to prove sufficient funds to stay in Belgium for more than three months. Authorities first issue a temporary residence permit with a renewable validity of 3 months, then a permanent residence permit if you can prove a stable residence and a regular income. The permit is then valid for five years.
Driving license and registration in Belgium
You can change your French driving license to a Belgian driving license within two years of your move. If you have the new European license, you can only request a change after its validity period ends.
You must register your vehicle in Belgium, otherwise you risk facing significant financial penalties. However, there are exemptions to the general Belgian regime, which you can consult on the website of the French Consulate in Brussels.
How to calculate expenses after the move to Belgium?
Income tax is higher in Belgium than in France, and both countries have signed a bilateral agreement, particularly regarding the special status of cross-border workers. The average tax rate in Belgium is 40.7% compared to 29.1% in France, according to a tax system that particularly affects higher incomes. However, salaries are on average 30% higher than French salaries.
Tax Convention France Belgium
More specifically, the regulations regarding the special tax status of French cross-border workers working in Belgium and subject to income tax in France will gradually disappear starting in 2033. These favorable conditions only apply to cross-border workers hired before 2012. To date, Belgium hosts about 39,000 cross-border workers from France.
How to organize your move to Belgium?
International moving companies can offer you different services based on your needs. It is advisable to opt for an all-inclusive move when relocating to another country and compare the benefits offered by international moving offers.
With this last option, movers take care of packing your belongings, fragile items, disassembling furniture, as well as storage and also handle the necessary documents for your move or provide, if necessary, a lift, etc.
Moving to Belgian Flanders:
In addition to the volume and large furniture to be transported, you need to take care of the administrative formalities for moving to Belgium (parking permits, etc.), sometimes the necessity to conduct business in Dutch as in Flanders (and yes, in Flanders, French speakers are not very appreciated!).
The moving company advises and informs you about the steps to follow for your settlement in your new municipality. It is also recommended to choose a professional company experienced in moving to Belgium and whose team speaks fluent French and Flemish in particular.
Traffic and parking in Belgium:
The mover will also contact the competent authority to request a parking permit based on the location of your new residence. For your information, the rates can be around 100 euros depending on the municipality. Keep in mind that if you think you are moving alone, it can be difficult to drive or park in certain cities like Brussels or Antwerp.
Why move to Belgium?
Belgium has the advantage of being geographically close to all major cities in Europe and just 1.5 hours from Paris or 35 minutes from Lille. It is the fourth destination for expatriation for the French, estimated at over 250,000 settled in Belgium (127,000 officially registered). The professional opportunities are the main reason for moving to Belgium, as well as the quality of Belgian universities and their accessibility, particularly in certain sectors.
Why is moving to Belgium different?
However, while Belgium is similar to France in many ways and its borders are permeable, you will need to comply with Belgian rules and legalize your situation to settle in Belgium. Indeed, expect different regulations in Belgium and, depending on your destination region, Wallonia or Flanders, it may be more complex to take care of your own journey.
Francophone Belgium
Our Belgian neighbor is famous for its fries! — but Belgium is also the quintessential country of comics; Tintin, Asterix, Spirou and Fantasio, Gaston, etc. It is no coincidence that Belgians are well known for their sense of humor, like Manneken Pis, the quintessential Belgian icon. Moving to Belgium will certainly take you time to adapt, facing the accent and Belgian expressions.
However, do not be mistaken, French speakers are not appreciated everywhere and the country is literally divided into two provinces that maintain their own regulations. In Flanders, it is not uncommon to be able to speak French even in administrations and offices, despite the official bilingualism!
Belgium at the heart of Europe
At the heart of Europe, with Brussels as the center of major European institutions, Belgium offers many advantages for international expatriates, including French citizens. Indeed, the specificity of its territory with the French-speaking Walloon regions, Flemish Flanders, or the distinctly international Brussels region presents strong cosmopolitanism and rich opportunities for new residents.
Working in Belgium
French expatriates in Belgium tend to settle in Brussels or Antwerp which are more internationally oriented and where English proficiency is a sought-after asset. A way to bypass the “Dutch obstacle” with priority given to Flemish speakers in job searches. The unemployment rate is 8.5% in Belgium and 60% of the Belgian population is active. The cost of living is relatively similar to that of France.
Staying in
The price of housing in Belgium is comparable to prices in France. For Brussels and Antwerp, the price of a studio ranges from 800 to 1300€ and for a three-room apartment between 1300 and 1800€. The deposit, on the other hand, is equal to 3 months’ rent in Belgium without fees. The security deposit in Belgium can be presented in several ways:
- by using the bank guarantee system which provides the sum for you, in exchange for an annual remuneration of 5%;
- with payment of the sum into a joint account for the landlord and tenant. The interest accrued during the lease will be paid to the tenant at the end of the lease;
- with direct payment of the sum to the landlord.
Be sure about your move to Belgium
Moving to Belgium is a new phase but also a new environment. An all-inclusive moving service is highly recommended so you don’t have to worry about the steps and procedures related to your transfer, but also to ensure the transport of your personal belongings. The cost of moving with a moving company varies significantly depending on the company, and it is best to always compare several quotes before choosing your mover. Receive multiple offers from international moving companies by filling out this online form, free of charge and without obligation.
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